Heath effects and medical application of non-ionizing radiation

Long-term effects (Cancer) Childhood leukemia ELF magnetic fields classified as Group 2B Possibly Carcinogenic based on limited human data (epidemiologic studies) of childhood leukemia and inadequate animal data Other exposures and outcomes considered inadequate to classify IARC Monograph (vol. 80, 2002) WHO EHC Monograph (vol. 238, 2007) Breast cancer The evidence has been weakened considerably and does not support an association Adult brain cancer and leukaemia. Short-term effects Established biological effects from acute exposure at high levels (well above 100 µT) that are explained by recognized biophysical mechanisms Consistent epidemiological evidence suggests that an increased risk for childhood leukaemia is associated with chronic low intensity ELF magnetic field exposure However, the evidence for a causal association is weak and the impact on public health uncertain.Thermal effects Radiofrequency waves can cause tissue heating, so-called thermal effects Heating >1oC activates physiological processes, which can influence activity of the nervous system, influence fertility, fetal development, cause cataracts All established health effects of RF exposure are clearly related to heating Non-thermal effects (?)While RF energy can interact with body tissues at levels too low to cause any significant heating, no study has shown adverse health effects at exposure levels below international guideline limits